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 1 . Which title would be a good alternative for this text?
a. “Three Sisters”
b. “Dust Storm”
c. “Fabric of Life”
d. “Sunny Sewing”
 2 . What is a synonym for the word idly as it is used in the text?
a. uselessly
b. slowly
c. lazily
d. unprofitably
 3 . Which statement best describes the story problem?
a. Bessie worked quickly to get as much done as possible before the sun got too high in the sky.
b. “Dust storm coming!”
c. Helen sat quietly sorting swatches of fabric, pieces from clothing no longer usable.
d. “Pack up, girls. Once we survive this, we’re moving west.”
 4 . What is the purpose of the last paragraph?
a. It offers resolution for the conflict between characters.
b. It introduces a new character.
c. It shows why the girls put the fabric pieces in pillowcases.
d. It creates additional tension in the story.
 5 . What do you suppose happened to the quilts next?
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#3658 Daily Warm-Ups: Reading 
114 
©Teacher Created Resources

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Name
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Daily 
Warm-Up
12
Fiction: Historical
Farewell at Independence, Missouri
Independence, Missouri was bustling with people.
Samuel pressed his nose against the general store’s 
window and moaned, “Whenever will we get to see 
them?” Suddenly, he spotted the billowing canvas top 
of a covered wagon being pulled by four brown oxen.
“They’ve arrived!” In his haste to greet the pioneers, he 
slammed the door, causing the bell to ring wildly.
The Abrams family extracted themselves from the 
wagon as Daniel, Samuel’s best friend, dismounted 
from a gray gelding he’d been riding alongside. Daniel 
tied the horse to a hitching post as Samuel peered into 
the back of the wagon. He was dumbstruck by the sight 
of all of Abrams’s belongings stuffed into the four-foot-
by-twelve-foot wagon. Sacks of flour and sugar, boxes 
of medicine, and rolls of bedding crowded the interior.
“We hung the guns from hooks last night,” exclaimed 
Daniel, pointing to the hoops that stretched the canvas 
tight. “We’ll have to rely on hunting and fishing out on 
the trail.”
“Great job,” Samuel slapped his comrade on the back.
“Just imagine all the adventures you’ll have—crossing
rivers, meeting mountain men, encounters with 
Indians.” He couldn’t keep the jealousy from tinging 
his voice.
Daniel nodded. “Dad is anxious to start farming once 
we arrive in Oregon. It’s supposed to be the best soil 
around, and it’s all free!”
A bleak horn sounded mournfully. “We best get 
going,” Daniel’s dad said as he started towards the lead 
ox. “The ferry will be leaving soon.”
“I guess this is farewell.” Samuel lightly stroked the 
gelding’s nose. “You are so fortunate. I’m stuck here, 
doing farm chores and attending school, while you’re 
off to Oregon territory!” 
“At least you don’t have to leave all your friends and 
family.” Daniel quickly gave Samuel a heartfelt 
handshake and mounted his horse. “Take care of 
yourself, Samuel.” Daniel didn’t look back as he trotted 
down to the river after the wagon.
Text Questions
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 1 . What statement does not give a clue about how Samuel feels in the story?
a. In his haste to greet the pioneers, he slammed the door, causing the bell to ring wildly.
b. He couldn’t keep the jealousy from tinging his voice.
c. Samuel lightly stroked the gelding’s nose.
d. “You are so fortunate. I’m stuck here, doing farm chores and attending school, while you’re off to 
Oregon territory!”
 2 . What is the main idea of the last paragraph?
a. Daniel is excited for his new adventure.
b. Daniel is sad to leave his friends.
c. Daniel has to obey his parents.
d. Daniel thinks their move is a good idea.
 3 . What does the word extracted mean as it is used in the text?
a. to pull out with effort
b. to separate
c. to obtain something by pressing
d. to concentrate a substance